Moving to Argentina

Expats moving to Argentina will find a beautiful and unspoilt land that can, at times, appear virtually untouched by the human hand. The second largest country on the South American continent, Argentina is a destination that continues to pique the interests of expats looking to move abroad.

With an area 11 times the size of the UK but a population of around only 45 million people, the extent of the space and bounds of the natural beauty are only truly appreciated by those who decide to take the plunge and relocate on a more permanent basis.

The expansive country has a diverse climate that ranges from a sub-tropical zone in the north to an Arctic climate in the south; the topography is equally varied. The eastern coastal regions give way from vast grassland plains, or pampas, to dry and unforgiving land, at which point the country butts up against the gargantuan Andes Mountain range on its western border with Chile.

There are 22 semi-autonomous provinces in Argentina, answerable to the government in Buenos Aires where approximately 10 percent of the total population of the country lives. An influx of Spanish, Italian and other European immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries has contributed towards a cosmopolitan and culturally rich capital city. Outside of the main urban areas, however, expats will find a sparsity of foreigners and English speakers.

Despite having one of the highest Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) in the region, corruption and mismanagement have meant that political and economic stability are still largely absent. Expats should be forewarned that although Argentina was once one of the richest nations in the world, its economy descended into a disastrous state in 2001 when the country defaulted on one of the largest foreign debts ever recorded. On the upside, this has opened the way for a buoyant real estate market and the purchase, by foreigners, of large tracts of land. Since then, growth has moved in a generally upward direction.

Though the Argentine economy has recovered considerably, jobs for expats are still scarcer than in other locations. Employment opportunities for expats are limited, outside of being assigned by a large multinational corporation, although there are also growing opportunities for English-language teachers. If expats do consider moving to Argentina, a good working knowledge of Spanish (or a translator) is a must.

Expat Interviews

"Buenos Aires is a really wonderful place to be young. There aren't really any rules, you can make things up as you go along". Kevin is an American who moved to Buenos Aires to study abroad. After deciding that one year in the capital wasn't enough, he chooses to call it home. Read more about his experience here.

"The local people are laid back, simple and friendly". Jorge Juarez, an American expat, moved to Córdoba after feeling unsatisfied with the job market in the U.S. Read about his expat experiences here.

Living in Argentina?

Are you living in Argentina? We are always looking for local "expat experts" to contribute to our guide and to answer forum questions for people moving or planning to move to Argentina. Please contact us if you would like to contribute.